Can you identify this Durham Light Infantry Sergeant from 50 Div? I know there are Yorkshire Bn's in 50 Div (Green Howards and Est Yorks) but I'm sure I've read the story before with a mention of the DLI. From Dunkirk The Great Escape by AJ Barker page 51: Rommel should have been impressed by the initiative shown by a little group of infantry - north country men from the 50th Division under the command of a Sergeant. Isolated from the rest of Frankforce these men settled down to block a stretch of road in the flat landscape near Arras. Having no anti-tank weapons - not even one of the much lauded but virtually useless Boys anti-tank rifles - the Sergeant realized that his only hope of stopping any German armour coming this way was by subterfuge. So, from a nearby estaminet, he collected a few dozen china plates which he proceeded to lay out in a pattern across the road. An hour later a troop of Panzers came nosing down the road and halted when they saw the unorthodox 'minefield'. When their crews got out and walked caustiously forward to inspect it, the Sergeants men shot them up and subsequently set fire to the crewless tanks.
Can you identify this Durham Light Infantry Sergeant from 50 Div? I know there are Yorkshire Bn's in 50 Div (Green Howards and Est Yorks) but I'm sure I've read the story before with a mention of the DLI. From Dunkirk The Great Escape by AJ Barker page 51: I've never heard this story, Andy, but a fascinating one it is. If anyone will know, it will likely be Jim! I do know that the 25th Infantry Brigade, which was under orders, was left at the La Bassee canal line between Raches and Bethune when the rest of the Division moved to the area of Arras. The 150th Infantry Brigade (4th Bn East Yorks, and 4th and 5th Bn's Green Howards) was split, with one battalion in Arras and two battalions to the east of Arras, replacing an exhausted French division on the line of the River Scarpe. The 151st Infantry Brigade (6th, 8th and 9th Bn's Durham Light Infantry) were earmarked for the Arras counter-attack, but with the 9DLI held in a fairly static reserve at Maroueuil. The 6 and 8DLI attacked on an ark axis moving south and then east, south east from slightly north west of Arras. At the height of the counter-attack the 8DLI was in contact with German tanks in Warlus, but eventually withdrew to Duisans which was made into a tank proof location. Similarly, 6DLI made Beaurains into a tank proof location. After German tanks and Infantry had tried their hand - and unsuccessfully - at dislodging the DLI from these locations, they were heavily attacked by 'hundreds' of Stukas; and simultaneously by tanks. It is likely in these actions that the Sergeant used his 'plates' and my guess is he would be, either, 6 or 8DLI. However, the 4th Bn Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (50 Div's Recce Battalion at this time) were invloved dismounted in these actions and therefore they must also come into the reckoning. Hope this assists in seeking to narrow matters... Best, Steve.
I've never heard this story before, very interesting! It was absolutly brilliant really. Thanks for sharing!
The 150th Infantry Brigade (4th Bn East Yorks, and 4th and 5th Bn's Green Howards) was split, with one battalion in Arras and two battalions to the east of Arras, replacing an exhausted French division on the line of the River Scarpe. The 5th Bn Green Howards were in Arras - the Citadel and western sector - with the 4th Bn East Yorks and 4th Bn Green Howards on the River Scarpe; the latter on the Brigades left just east of Athies. Best, Steve.
I`ve looked for information on this one since Andy contacted me a few weeks ago ...Sorry to say I`ve drawn a blank. Perhaps theres a Gallantry award or mention in Despatches regarding it? I`ve checked the DLI ones and have yet to find anything it would be good to bottom this one. Best Wishes Jim
Andy, What a great story. It would be great to confirm the facts from records if available. Regards Tom
I`ve looked for information on this one since Andy contacted me a few weeks ago ...Sorry to say I`ve drawn a blank. Perhaps theres a Gallantry award or mention in Despatches regarding it? I`ve checked the DLI ones and have yet to find anything it would be good to bottom this one. Best Wishes Jim Jim, Just to confirm, have you looked through all the DLI citations for 1940?
Seem to recall this story from a 1970's Victor Comic. Hi Izzy, Exactly where I recalled it from late 60`s early 70`s where they recalled couragous acts! I recall the story but not the participants or units. Just to confirm, have you looked through all the DLI citations for 1940? Hi Andy, DLI ones as best I could MM`s are reconstitututed by the look of them all seem to have been written latter and lack the detail contained in the latter battles/actions.MiD`s are incomplete and BEM`s for the DLI are still (mostly)minus their citations. I have also made enquiries with the family of a senior NCO awarded an MC (no citation) but they sadly were unaware he had a medal let alone a citation! Will continue looking to be honest if it was`nt for the location and division stated my first thoughts would have been the poorly equipped 10th DLI,11 DLI or 12 DLI (Tyneside Scottish). You caught me on the hop with this one mate I was banking on the Pows escape in the lorry to be your first posting!!!. Best Wishes Jim
I thought 6 DLI looked promising just after Arras reading their diary. He's coming later ! Did I type up all the DCM's for you on here a year or so ago?
Saw a TV documentary on the ' Auxiliary Units' home guard special forces and they were taught this in their training , but they covered the upside dinner plates with earth. Post Dunkirk though, so may be from field experiences.
Whenever we thought there was something suspicious on a roadway - instead of stopping- we asked the co driver to give it a burst of Besa into it - that usually worked...we knew about the Home Guard ! Cheers
